JOAN says the Scottish Parliament have done well for our older citizens - delivering free personal care and free transport - which is why we have nothing to fear from a Yes vote.

I WAS pretty chuffed to hear that some readers keep clippings articles from An Independent Woman.

So this week’s article is written with the cut-out-and-keep reader in mind. It addresses a question constantly asked on the doorsteps. What happens to my pension if I vote Yes?

I understand why people want reassurance.

If a pension is your only income, you need to know it’s safe.

So reach for the scissors and read on.

Will I still get my state pension?

Yes. The Scottish Government have guaranteed to continue to pay every state pension after independence including all the rights you have built up to enhanced pensions such as through Serps.

Will my state pension be as much as it is now?

Yes, in fact it will be better. The Scottish Government have guaranteed a “triple lock” on state pensions after independence – something Westminster have only put in place until next year’s General Election. This triple lock means the state pension after a Yes vote will rise in line with prices and earnings, or by 2.5 per cent, whichever is highest.

What about this new single tier pension being offered by Westminster? Will we get that after independence?

Yes. The Scottish Government will pay a single tier pension of £160 a week from 2016 – that’s £1.10 a week higher than is being offered by Westminster.

But I am on Savings Credit, will I still get that?

Yes, the Scottish Government will pay savings credit at £18 a week, benefiting 9000 low income pensioners. Westminster plans to abolish Savings Credit after April 2016. So voting No will hurt the poorest.

Will the state pension age be the same?

It could be lower. The UK government will raise it to 66 by 2020 and then move it to 67 later. The Scottish Government think that is unfair because Scots do not live as long, so would get less pension if we stay with Westminster. After independence, a Scottish Government will ask pensions experts to look at keeping the retirement age below 67.

But how can an independent Scotland afford better pensions?

Pensions are more affordable in Scotland because we pay more tax per head than in the rest of the UK. Expenditure on pensions and benefits known as “social protection” have been lower in Scotland in each of the past five years.

For example, social protection in 2012/13 was 15.5 per cent of Scotland’s national wealth, compared to 16 per cent for UK.

I have an occupational pension, what happens to that?

Occupational and personal pension rights will stay the same after independence – you have accrued these benefits and are legally entitled to them.

What happens to my NHS/civil service/council pension?

The Scottish Government will meet all public sector pension obligations and all schemes will be fully protected. The Scottish Public Pensions Agency are already administering a lot of public sector pensions here and will take on new responsibilities after independence and that may create new jobs – a bonus.

Where can I get more information?

There’s lots more about pensions in Scotland’s Future, the White Paper on what independence will look like. Call 08453 072014 to get your own copy or read it online at scotreferendum.com

But isn’t it safer to stay as we are?

A No vote will not mean things stay as they are. It means retiring at 67 – or even older, a loss of Savings Credit for the poorest pensioners and a smaller single-tier pension. Remember, the UK Government’s track record with pensions is poor. It’s a good argument to transfer responsibility for pensions to a parliament with a better track record of looking after them.

Previous Articles

FORMER Prime Minister GORDON BROWN calls for a union for the elderly which is based on the fact that pensioners' need are better met by spreading the risks and cost of pensions across the whole of the UK.